Domantas Sabonis named in NBA ‘Most Overrated’ poll

Domantas Sabonis has been one of the most productive big men in the NBA over the last several seasons, but his inclusion in The Athletic’s 2026 anonymous player poll shows how quickly perception can shift when availability disappears.

In the poll, conducted by The Athletic and based on responses from 161 NBA players, Domantas Sabonis received 2.5% of the vote for “most overrated player.”

While that number is relatively small, it’s notable because it continues a trend. Sabonis also appeared on the 2025 poll (2.2%) and the 2024 poll (2.5%). The consistency suggests that, fair or not, a portion of players around the league remain skeptical of his overall impact.

This year’s inclusion, however, comes with significant context.

(The Athletic)

More on Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis played just 19 games for the Sacramento Kings before undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury marked the least active season of his career and forced him into unfamiliar territory, watching from the sidelines instead of anchoring Sacramento’s offense.

“It’s been tough. It’s definitely been a really tough season for me,” Sabonis said during his end-of-season press conference in April. “Personally, not being out there with the guys or being a part of the season is definitely new for me.”

In limited action, Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field, numbers that, although far beneath his regular averages, still reflect his efficiency and all-around skillset. But availability matters, and long absences can reshape narratives.

Sabonis admitted he initially tried to push through the injury before opting for surgery.

“I tried to play through it until it got to a point where it was either a rehab or surgery,” he explained. “You guys know me, I decided to do rehab… and ultimately, it led to six more games and then going for surgery.”

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Historically, criticism of Domantas Sabonis has centered on his defensive limitations, particularly rim protection and paint presence. Those concerns have followed him despite elite offensive production, including back-to-back All-NBA selections in 2023 and 2024 and three straight rebounding titles from 2022 to 2025.

Still, Sabonis remains confident that he’ll return to form.

“On the bright side, surgery went great. I’ll have a better knee than I did before,” he said. “I’ll be ready for the start of next season and play at the All-NBA level that everyone here in Sacramento has been used to seeing me play at.”

With $93 million remaining on his contract and questions surrounding the Kings’ roster direction, Sabonis–entering his age-30 season–is entering a pivotal stretch of his career.

The main question now is whether Sabonis will call Sacramento or elsewhere home come this October.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

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Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
• Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
• Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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